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KipAero Events & Activities

Texas Antique Airplane Association Annual Fly-In

October 12-13 at Gainesville Municipal Airport (KGLE)

Come join us at the 56th Annual TAAA Fly-In! Airplanes participating include: Antiques, Classics, Warbirds, Replicas and Homebuilt airplanes that will be on display throughout the event. All aircraft are welcome. Gainesville, Texas, considered the northern “Gateway to Texas” is located on I-35, six miles south of the Oklahoma border.

There will be static displays, group fly-bys and good food, plenty of flying activities, fun and educational seminars for kids. A fly-mart where you might find that special part you’ve been looking for and aircraft judging as well as exhibits, forums and vendors. Discounts on fuel and Door Prizes are also planned. For more information go to www.texasantiqueairplane.org

Dawn Patrol Rendezvous – 100th Anniversary WWI

September 22-23 at Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio

KipAero will be present at the National Museum of the United States Air Force to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Great War. Enjoy the sights and sounds of vintage original and reproduction WWI aircraft along with radio-controlled model aircraft, vintage automobiles, educational encounters, authors and lecturers and living history reenactments. KipAero crew will be demonstrating engine runs of the new production Gnome Monosoupape Rotary engine – a site not too miss! Free admission; for more information go to www.nationalmuseum.af.mil.

Live Interviews from EAA AirVenture 2018 with Kip Lankenau

NBC Live Interview July 24th, 2018

At EAA Adventure 2018, a new production, full-scale, fully functional Sopwith 1½ Strutter fitted with a new production Gnome Monosoupape 100hp rotary engine will be on display.

The Sopwith 1½ Strutter was commonly referred to as the ‘workhorse’ of the Great War due to its versatility. It was used extensively by the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) as a scout (fighter), for artillery observation and photo reconnaissance, and as a bomber. With the Army’s Royal Flying Corps (RFC) covetous of the RNAS’ Sopwiths, an Advisory Air Board was eventually created to better allocate resources and reduce inter-service rivalries. Eventually, the RNAS and RFC were merged in April 1918, becoming the Royal Air Force (RAF). During this time, the Sopwith Pup, 1½ Strutter, Triplane and Camel were used extensively by both services to gain air superiority and ultimately win the war. In celebration of the Centennial of the Royal Air Force, any RAF airman attending AirVenture is invited to climb aboard the 1½ Strutter and experience first-hand the cockpits and controls of an early aeroplane.

At EAA Adventure Oshkosh 2017, KipAero will exhibit a new production, Sopwith 1½ Strutter fuselage fitted with a new Gnome Monosoupape 100hp rotary engine manufactured by Classic Aero Machining Service. Produced using the original Sopwith factory drawings, this two-seater fighter/trainer will be uncovered allowing the enthusiast to see how early aeroplanes were constructed. For those who want to experience exactly what it was like to fly an aeroplane from the Great War era, four Sopwith models are offered in fully assembled or kit form; 1½ Strutter, Pup, Triplane and Camel. Booth #310, main aircraft display area.

The KipAero Crew and display at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2017

KipAero Principle Speaks at Oshkosh 2017

Due to the popularity of his presentation in 2016, Kip Lankenau, President of KipAero, a division of Kip Motor Company, has been asked to update and present “Flying on the Western Front 1917″, on Wednesday, July 26 at 11:30am, Workshop Classroom A. Lankenau will also be delivering “Building Aeroplanes of the Great War”; Monday, July 24 at 11:30am, Workshop. In addition on a subject not commonly discussed is “Lighter-than-Air in the Great War”, July 27 at 2:30pm, Hilton Theater.

KipAero Exhibits at NMUSAF WWI Dawn Patrol Rendezvous

A longtime supporter of the National Museum of the USAF and its’ WWI Dawn Patrol Rendezvous, KipAero, a division of Kip Motor Company, is exhibiting the Sopwith family of full-size, authentic kits along with ignition and electrical components for early aero engines October 1st – 2nd, 2016.

KipAero Principle Selected to Speak at EAA AirVenture 2016

Kip Lankenau, President of KipAero, a Division of Kip Motor Company, will be presenting at EAA AirVenture, “Flying on the Western Front 1916” on Saturday, July 30th at 11:30 am in Workshop Classroom A. This presentation will encompass the history of early flying machines, their evolution in the Great War, the struggles and tribulations of a pilot flying on the western front in 1916, and why anyone would want to be a pilot when the life expectancy on the front was only a matter of weeks. This presentation will be informative as well as entertaining as this time period is Kip’s passion.

KipAero Resumes Sopwith Strutter Production After 100 Years

The KipAero crew at Oshkosh2016

July 15, 2016 – Dallas, Texas – In recognition of the First World War Centennial, KipAero, a division of Kip Motor Company, announces the introduction of accurate reproduction, full-size airplane kits at Oshkosh 2016. Focusing on the Sopwith family of aeroplanes – 1½ Strutter, Pup, Triplane and Camel – KipAero’s goal is to provide the vintage aviation enthusiast an authentic Great War flying experience. Read more here…IntroductionSopwithKits

Thank-you to Kip and Debra for hosting our visit yesterday&period; The craftsmanship on the Strutter is outstanding and inspirational&period; It's really amazing to see such dedication to authenticity 100&plus; years after the original aircraft took to the skies&period; There are always shortcuts that can be taken&comma; but I saw nothing of the sort yesterday&period; I'm looking forward to seeing this beautiful aircraft in the Texas sky&period; Thanks again Kip Aero&excl;